Well, for a time now I've been debating a decision within my mind. After much deliberation, I've still come to no definite conclusion. Therefore I"m asking the assistance of everyone here. What should I do? Ok here's the deal.

I can't decide, between two colleges, which one to go to. One is local in the town I live in, and the other is about a 4 hour drive from here. The descripts and situations of each are as follows.

If I stay home I can live at home; maybe, maybe not. I already have a good job here, so I would have a good financial income. I wouldn't have to pay for rent, so there's more money to pay for college. And I won't have to pay for utilites or groceries, if I live at home. I have a few friends who are staying here, and they'll be here to hang out with. Now if I stay home, I'm still going to the other college after I finish my Basics. So either way I end up graduating from the second college.

Now If I go off, I'll have to get an apartment, pay rent on it, buy groceries, etc. But I'll be wonderful real life experience. There's a good number of my friends going here too that I can room with or hang with or whatever. I'll have more bills to pay however, and a 4 hour drive if I want to come back home to see people. The tuition is about 300 dollars difference between this one and the other. I'll have to find another job, since I'll have to quit the one I have now, which is a good job.


That's the situation. Time is slowly running out, and I've got to make a decision. Should I stay here for two years then go to the other college, or go straight on to the other college?

-The Raven-thinking deeply, very deeply.......drowning

stay home might as well have some fun at home befor collage.

There's a lot to be said for learning to live without parental support as soon as you can. After all it's easier to adapt when young. Just how easy will it be for you to get a job in the new town? If it's relatively easy that might help with 'work experience', always useful when looking for something permanent.

I've taken a gap year (in your case it will be more like two) before going to uni for further education and I'd recommend it to anyone. As far as I saw it, I'd been doing exams at the beginning of summer for 5 years straight (SATs, Mock GCSEs, GCSEs, AS Levels, A Levels) and I might just have exploded if I had to do it for another three years in a row.

I stayed at home and worked, it's been the most easy year of my life and I feel I've earnt it, surviving 13 straight years of bad British education.

If you could stay at home and build up your funds before moving onto this college that you have to go to, then why not? Enjoy your time at home, learn something at college and try not to waste it all away down the local boozer!

If there is one, go to a community college. Then you can stay at home while going to college and hopefully your parents wont make you pay rent.

i agree with adras what he's saying is smart

Thats what I'm planning on doing. Going to NMC and staying at home since it is only 25 minutes away. I'll do that for atleast 1 or 2 years then I will probably move on.

True. Instead of paying rent, etc... save all that money for education/college later. Unless you have a strong chance of getting a decent job in the new location, that is. If you decide on the second, you could always get an apartment [or similar place] with your friends and split the rent.

I should also point out that if i wait to go off to college I won't have the opportunity to room with anyone I know, as they will already have found roomates. Yet another problem to consider.


-The Raven-tired...

The roomates issue is valid, however it is more of a luxury than anything else. I would also suggest waiting and working for a while.

I'd have to go with waiting and working as well, saving up all that cash is a smart thing to do. Of course, it's up to you in the end. But having that extra cash would help out a lot in the long run, and there's no need to rush into things...

dont worry about who your roommate will be hopefully you will become friends with this person but if not oh well.

Taking time to get to know yourself a bit is easier to do when your younger (explaining gaps in your resume is trickier later) and if you can take a break, do it. I never did, kept on listening to "this is your entire future in the balance, this will affect the rest of your LIFE, you have to make a descision NOW". And rush this thing that will affect the rest of my life!?
Years later I learned that nobody lives in the future, its easier to live with strangers than friends and to never date a guy that has never done his own washing. And that asking for advice is a way to put of making descisions you are not ready to make, so take the time.
My personal rule of thumb is if I have to think about it, I'm trying to sell myself on it, never a good thing. This may or may not apply to your problem.
Oh dear, I'm getting philosophical so I'll stop now.
Anyway what is the current life expectancy for an american?
See, you have lots of time! Oh but you're a musician, right, so maby a little less? But it will be more interesting...